Grote Family of Companies

Position Overview

The HVAC Helper-Laborer supports field installation crews by safely handling materials, preparing work areas, maintaining tools, sealing ductwork, and completing other assigned tasks. This entry-level position is designed for someone who is dependable, safety-conscious, willing to learn, and interested in building a career in the HVAC and sheet metal industry.

Working under the direction of a Field Operations Mentor, foreman, or experienced craft professional, the HVAC Helper-Laborer develops foundational knowledge of materials, tools, jobsite practices, and company standards. Successful employees demonstrate growing accuracy, productivity, independence, and readiness for more advanced training and responsibilities. 

Essential Responsibilities by Core Value

Put People First

• Follow all company safety policies and consistently wear required personal protective equipment.
• Use safe lifting techniques and follow established requirements when working around ladders, lifts, scaffolding, tools, and materials.
• Identify and promptly report hazards, unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, or other jobsite concerns.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas that support the safety and productivity of the entire crew.
• Work cooperatively with supervisors and coworkers, contributing to a respectful and professional jobsite.
• Ask questions when instructions or safety expectations are unclear rather than guessing.

Challenge Ordinary

• Look for opportunities to improve speed, accuracy, organization, and efficiency in routine work.
• Learn to identify common duct materials, fittings, fasteners, sealants, accessories, and hanger components.
• Understand where and why materials are used, including basic applications for gauges, hangers, fasteners, and sealants.
• Develop proficiency using basic hand and power tools, including snips, drills, hammers, tape measures, and levels.
• Accept coaching, apply feedback, and demonstrate measurable improvement in safety, workmanship, and productivity.
• Build the skills needed to progress toward basic layout, assembly, and installation responsibilities.

Build Lifelong Partnerships

• Support the crew by accurately staging tools, equipment, ductwork, fittings, and installation materials.
• Listen carefully and follow supervisor instructions the first time.
• Communicate respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and other trade partners.
• Provide advance notice of an absence whenever possible and communicate promptly when an issue may affect the crew.
• Build trust by being dependable, prepared, cooperative, and willing to help.
• Receive guidance from assigned mentors and experienced employees while contributing positively to the team. 

Act with Integrity

• Arrive on time, ready to work, and properly equipped for the day’s assignments.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and within expected timeframes.
• Handle materials carefully and select the correct materials to help reduce damage and waste.
• Maintain tools by cleaning them, charging batteries, and keeping them in safe working condition.
• Follow company procedures and immediately communicate mistakes, hazards, damaged materials, or incomplete work.
• Perform work according to company quality and safety expectations, even when direct supervision is limited. 

Lead by Example

• Maintain steady effort and productivity throughout the workday.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to take direction.
• Complete routine responsibilities such as material preparation, debris removal, duct sealing, and jobsite organization without excessive oversight.
• Use the correct tool for each task and demonstrate increasing precision in measuring, cutting, drilling, fastening, and sealing.
• Take ownership of assigned work and follow tasks through to completion.
• Model safe, reliable, and professional behavior that contributes to the success of the entire crew.

Key Duties

The HVAC Helper-Laborer may be responsible for:

• Lifting, carrying, moving, and staging duct materials, tools, and equipment.
• Assisting with material preparation and basic installation activities.
• Applying duct sealants, including mastic, tape, and gaskets, with guidance.
• Identifying common sheet metal materials, duct fittings, fasteners, sealants, and accessories.
• Using basic hand and power tools safely and correctly.
• Measuring, cutting, drilling, and fastening materials at an entry-level standard.
• Cleaning work areas, removing debris, and organizing tools and materials.
• Inspecting and maintaining assigned tools and equipment.
• Following verbal directions and requesting clarification when necessary.
• Participating in required safety, technical, and career-development training. 

Qualifications

Required

• Ability to follow verbal instructions and established safety procedures.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to perform physical work in an active construction environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a crew.
• Willingness to learn HVAC, sheet metal, material-handling, and tool-use fundamentals.
• Professional and respectful communication.
• Commitment to the company’s core values and jobsite expectations.

Preferred

• Previous construction, warehouse, manufacturing, mechanical, or general labor experience.
• Familiarity with basic hand or power tools.
• Interest in progressing into an HVAC or sheet metal apprenticeship.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Regularly lift, carry, move, and stage construction materials, tools, and equipment.
• Perform standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, and repetitive physical activities.
• Work in active construction environments and changing jobsite conditions.
• Wear required personal protective equipment.
• Work around ladders, lifts, scaffolding, elevated areas, and mechanical equipment after receiving the required instruction or authorization.

Measures of Success

Success in this position includes:

• Consistent compliance with PPE and jobsite safety requirements.
• Dependable attendance and readiness to work.
• Safe and accurate handling of materials, tools, and equipment.
• Correct completion of basic duct-sealing and material-staging assignments.
• Improved speed and accuracy in routine tasks.
• Reduced material waste and rework.
• Ability to follow instructions with decreasing supervision.
• Positive working relationships with supervisors and crew members.
• Demonstrated readiness for the Helper Field Evaluation and more advanced training.